Rippa Rugby draws Maori All Blacks and Black Ferns to the sidelines

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu's Te Rauhiriwa Kilkelly, 10, playing against Omanu in the plate semifinal. Rippa rugby at Ray Boord Park. Photo/Stephen Parker

More than 200 little rippers from 24 teams across the Bay of Plenty have taken to the field for the Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup - in front of their rugby heroes.

Members of the Maori All Blacks and Black Ferns squads were among supporters who got their feet muddy on the sidelines at Ray Boord Park today.

Event organiser Brett Johnson said it was amazing to see all the kids having fun.

"To get here they are already champions, they've already done so well regardless of the results.

"It's so great seeing them all out there."

Mr Johnson said having the Black Ferns there was great for the girls, who didn't often get to see themselves in their rugby heroes.

"The kids got photos and autographs, and great rugby smart packs," he said.

"Even though this is a non-contact version of the game it gets the safety message out there."

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu's Nikau Irihei, 10, playing against Omanu in the plate semifinal with autographs up his arm. Photo/Stephen Parker

Over the past three weeks qualifying tournaments held across western, central and eastern Bay of Plenty, saw more than 1500 kids across the two grades competing for their spot.

Each team had to have five girls and five boys in their squad.

Glenholme coach Piripi Jennings is in his first year coaching and said he had really enjoyed working with the kids.

"I have a special mention for the great behaviour of not only our kids, but of all the kids here."

The Rippa Rugby World Cup teams got to meet their Black Ferns and Maori All Blacks heroes. Photo/Supplied

His 8-year-old son Atutahi Jennings said it was a fun game to play and he liked "ripping" the other players.

Teammates Shari Hayward, 9, and Ngahirata Haumaha, 8, said their favourite thing about playing was getting to be outside with friends.

Rippa rugby teaches the players key skills such as passing, catching evasion, support, communication and team work.

Omanu school had travelled from Whakatane for the day and Rebecca Pena and Noelia Point, both 8, said it was a tough competition.

"The boys never pass to us, so we end up running a lot," Noelia said.

"Yeah, it would be better if the boys would pass to us, but it's been quite good," Rebecca added.

The winner of the Year 5 and 6 competition, Tauranga's Mangatapu School, will represent the region at the national Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington from September 18.

Final Results
Year 3 and 4
Championship Final: Te Matai 6 v Green Park 3
Plate Final: Omanu 8 v Apanui 6
Bowl Final: Arataki 6 v St Marys 5

Year 5 and 6
Championship Final: Mangatapu 7 v Kawerau South 5
Plate Final: Papamoa 7 v Te Koutu 4
Bowl Final: St Joseph's 8 v Te Paroa 7